Islam can’t be two faced

Quick thoughts about an old news. I had this in my drafts, and I think it is important enough to be said, though I have forgotten what I originally wanted to say. Publishing the fragment as it is.

I want to state here that I have nothing against Muslims, but that doesn’t mean that I go out of my way to respect religious leaders (of any religion, actually, but in this case Islam) when they behave in ways that are, in my eyes totally unworthy of respect.

Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia who called for demolishing churches in the Arab Peninsula

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Recently (in Feb 2012 – this is an old post), the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia called for all the Churches in the Arabian Peninsula to be destroyed. This, in itself is not unprecedented. Islam is littered with the debris of religious monuments of other religions razed in its wake. I will not go into history, but a few quick examples off the top of my head include the Bamiyan statues of Buddha, Churches and temples in Pakistan, Churches in Egypt, Buddhist and Hindu temples and other relics in Maldives…. to name a few. Other than the Bamiyan statues, the rest are fairly recent incidents – within the last year or two. There is no need to go over the entire history of Islam, it is fairly clear that in places of Muslim rule, minority religious symbols live on borrowed life.

So the question that the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia ought to answer clearly is if he finds it acceptable that mosques are destroyed where Muslims are a minority. If yes, then he has to answer to the millions of Muslims whose beloved places of worship he puts on the line, and if not, he has to accept that Islam is unfairly tolerated by non-Muslims, because everyone likes their own religion or lack of it.

This is unacceptable, for instance. From

to

This is being proposed about churches. Not acceptable.

Muslims who claim peaceful coexistence and such stuff or blame Islamophobia for all that is wrong with how the Islamic world is perceived need to make a point of disowning these views. Whether it is protecting churches in the Arab Peninsula from this man’s thugs, or it is refusing and rejecting his authority over them, wherever they are. While Muslims cannot be expected to make a point of denouncing every bigot that pops up with a new xenophobic idea, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia is a prominent enough figure for the religion that this is important.

Governments around the world should have a response to this, and a clear understanding about religious places of minorities should be openly negotiated. Unless the Grand Mufti is to retract his words and issue an apology, mosques affiliated with him should not be allowed in any country other than Saudi Arabia, in my view. Regardless of whether the government is Islamic or not. There has to be a clear denouncement and rejection of such intolerance to provide an alternative view of Muslims with a clear disassociation with such bigotry.

While freedom of worship should not be conditional, I think any sane government would be in its rights to evaluate if a dangerous cult may be parading within the religion that is harmful to the interests of its citizens.

Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense to blame people for Islamophobia, because the Grand Mufti himself is speaking in a way that would terrify anyone in their senses. A phobia is irrational. Being very afraid of a religion that will not tolerate opposition to it and will destroy other religions where it is in power makes complete sense.

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Please note that there is no religious obligation on Muslims to worship this joker. As far as I know. Or even to be polite to him after he has made their religion look like an enemy of the rest of mankind. The Quran doesn’t care who they worship or don’t worship beyond Allah and Mohammed must be respected – of whom the Grand Mufti is neither, so this should not be religiously offensive

As for me, I think the Grand Mufti is a xenophobic, religious chauvinist and downright dangerous bully. To me, he debunks the term Islamophobia itself by proving the fear extremely well founded.

9 thoughts on “Islam can’t be two faced”

To author if you are criticizing the please criticize with full force. don’t try to be politically correct. For Muslims I will say that even author or you or the other guy has no idea. One of the biggest problem with Islam is it has been hijacked by the Mullahs of this religion, the ummah ideology and Saudis. I am not quoting any verse from Quran or any of their teachers. I am saying see the result. there are 45 to 50 countries in world with majority Muslim population. 1. What is the contribution of 1.25 billion Muslim population in the development of world? 2. What is the condition of minorities of in Muslim Populated countries. I will quote 3 examples. 1. Hindu Population in Pakistan was 22% in 1947. Today less than 2%. What happened to all the 20 %. 2. Hindu Population in Bangladesh was 28%. Today 7%. God knows what happened to them. Poof in air. 3. You have no idea about the pathetic condition of Christian in Pakistan. 4. You can’t have religious freedom in a Muslim country but same people will go in a Western country and start practicing. When they have enough supporters, they will ask for partial Sharia law for them-self. 5. They have unique views about those people who don’t follow Islam. 6. The biggest problem is it is preached to be live in a book as word of god, which should always be read in Arabic and reader is not allowed to interpret. This is a big problem. 7. Muslim has been hijacked by the UMMAH ideology and the ISLAM which Saudi preaches. Other country follow because they have to go to haj. and list will go on. The basic problem is when you stop thinking and analyzing and start believing without any rationality. There problem lies. There is one country which is known as Civilized Islamist country and it is Tunisia. The state religion is Islam but it is constantly discouraged by government. In Tunisia Veil and beard is banned.

People like Arundhati Roy and Naom Chomski are Intellectuals capitalist, behave like leftist and are good for noting. Even there idea are as obscure as the word which she uses which even Britisher will read has to find for Dictionary. A lost case look good to quote but the UTOPIAN reality in which she lives is a like the black whole of Universe where light goes but never come back.

Itz not the mufti’s mistake. He is just voicing quranic injunctions namely : :

2:191 And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers.

2:193 And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah.

2:216 Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not.

2:244 Fight in the way of Allah, and know that Allah is Hearer, Knower.

5:33 The only reward of those who make war upon Allah and His messenger and strive after corruption in the land will be that they will be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet on alternate sides cut off, or will be expelled out of the land. Such will be their degradation in the world, and in the Hereafter theirs will be an awful doom.

Ramesh, can you care not to take things just as it is. Krishna advises Arjun to fight for Dharma, irrespective of whether it is your family you fight or foe. Eklavya was not accepted as Drona’s disciple and had to give up his expertise, in his devotion and dedication to his teacher. I can say this show’s how provocative and unjust Hinduism is. The truth is, this is just one aspect. Not the whole truth. The Verses you quote from the Quran were there to protect the people in that era as Tribal Wars were commonplace. It is people like you, who read half the thing, dont understand the context and justify, even to hate such actions who encourage such people.. You are justifying the misdeeds of the aforementioned guy. You are just giving him what he needs, acceptance. Dont let hatred rule your mind. Peace and war, both are taught by all religion. Look at both.

p.s. I am a Christian by birth, a humanist by choice, so dont think I am justifying any religion. I am asking you to condemn the wrongdoers, not everyone connected with it.

First of all Krishna advising Arjuna to fight for Dharma for justice even when you have to fight with your what is problem in that. He was clearly saying that just is above everything. and Eklavya case doesn’t represent Hinduism. It represent the jealous love of a teacher for his pupil.Youu have no idea about either Hinduism.

Man, you posting in English and using internet to to that, leads me to assume that you are an educated soul. However, what I fail to understand is why have you quoted the verses in a manner that does not reveal their full meaning. In fact, you have quoted them in a manner that suits you- to build a negative opinion about Islam. I do not know whether you have done this intentionally or are among the ones who have heard about just the verses that you have quoted. You actually quote verses to indicate that you are not just coughing out some biased opinions but have actually facts and text from the Quran itself, and thus have a strong case. Considering this, I wonder why did you not research for the surrounding/complete verses. Even a simple Google search like “Does Quran preach violence” or the verses you quoted (come on, I don’t think I need to teach you how to use Google) would have thrown millions of results, out of which many would be containing the actual verses in their complete context, which would have helped clear your understanding unless you are adamant to be biased against Islam. The thing is that we need to take thing in their full context. So for that matter, let me quote the things in their entirety. You quoted 2:191, 2:193 but forgot to (or chose to not) quote 2:190 or 2:192 1. “Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter… But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful… If they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression” (2:190-193)

2. (Quran 60:7-8): “It may be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For God has power (over all things), and God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. God does not forbid you, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loves those who are just.” 3. Similarly you quote 5:33, but seem to miss 5:32. Let me do the honors: If anyone slays a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew all people. And if anyone saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all people. Quran 5:32

A few more:Invite all to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching. And argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious… And if you punish, let your punishment be proportional to the wrong that has been done to you. But if you show patience, that is indeed the best course. Be patient, for your patience is from God. And do not grieve over them, or distress yourself because of their plots. For God is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good. Quran 16:125-128(the one directly below, I hope you will like it; it speaks the same as imparted by Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield)Oh you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor, for God can best protect both. Follow not the cravings of your hearts, lest you swerve, and if you distort justice or decline to do justice, verily God is well acquainted with all that you do. Quran 4:135A couple more..The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree), but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from God, for God loves not those who do wrong. But indeed, if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong done to them, against such there is no cause of blame. The blame is only against those who oppress men with wrongdoing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice. For such there will be a penalty grievous (in the Hereafter). But indeed, if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an affair of great resolution. Quran 42:40-43Goodness and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better. Then that person with whom there was hatred, may become your intimate friend! And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but people of the greatest good fortune. Quran 41:34-35

Continuing with my posts: You quoted: 2:244 Fight in the way of Allah, and know that Allah is Hearer, Knower.

I ask what’s the problem with that? What evil do you see here? Is not something analogous told to Arjuna by Krishna on battlefield.

One more problem with your posts is that you provide quote some site for further reference. You recommend reading http://alisina.org/the-golden-rule-and-Islam/ . What an irony! You recommend a site that is clearly biased against Islam, to gain more knowledge about Islam. I mean, what the hell. If this is to be the way out, then I can also quote some references for you to “know more” about Hinduism. But I wont, because any man thinking with his brains would figure out that these websites have been administered by people who hate Hinduism blindly. (Yes, many of them are Muslims, but there are Buddhists, Christians and Sikhs as well. Just let me know if you eant the references, I will provide them to you). But, honestly to me, that does not help. I believe in living and letting others live too. This is what most people , Hindus as well as Muslims and others too, do. But in the end, to each his own. Let me know if you are interested to have a healthy discussion.

Man, you posting in English and using internet to to that, leads me to assume that you are an educated soul. However, what I fail to understand is why have you quoted the verses in a manner that does not reveal their full meaning. In fact, you have quoted them in a manner that suits you- to build a negative opinion about Islam. I do not know whether you have done this intentionally or are among the ones who have heard about just the verses that you have quoted. You actually quote verses to indicate that you are not just coughing out some biased opinions but have actually facts and text from the Quran itself, and thus have a strong case. Considering this, I wonder why did you not research for the surrounding/complete verses. Even a simple Google search like “Does Quran preach violence” or the verses you quoted (come on, I don’t think I need to teach you how to use Google) would have thrown millions of results, out of which many would be containing the actual verses in their complete context, which would have helped clear your understanding unless you are adamant to be biased against Islam. The thing is that we need to take thing in their full context. So for that matter, let me quote the things in their entirety. You quoted 2:191, 2:193 but forgot to (or chose to not) quote 2:190 or 2:192 1. “Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter… But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful… If they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression” (2:190-193)

2. (Quran 60:7-8): “It may be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For God has power (over all things), and God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

God does not forbid you, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loves those who are just.”

3. Similarly you quote 5:33, but seem to miss 5:32. Let me do the honors:

If anyone slays a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew all people. And if anyone saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all people. Quran 5:32

A few more:

Invite all to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching. And argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious… And if you punish, let your punishment be proportional to the wrong that has been done to you. But if you show patience, that is indeed the best course. Be patient, for your patience is from God. And do not grieve over them, or distress yourself because of their plots. For God is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good. Quran 16:125-128

(the one directly below, I hope you will like it; it speaks the same as imparted by Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield)

Oh you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor, for God can best protect both. Follow not the cravings of your hearts, lest you swerve, and if you distort justice or decline to do justice, verily God is well acquainted with all that you do. Quran 4:135

A couple more..

The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree), but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from God, for God loves not those who do wrong. But indeed, if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong done to them, against such there is no cause of blame. The blame is only against those who oppress men with wrongdoing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice. For such there will be a penalty grievous (in the Hereafter). But indeed, if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an affair of great resolution. Quran 42:40-43

Goodness and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better. Then that person with whom there was hatred, may become your intimate friend! And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but people of the greatest good fortune. Quran 41:34-35